Michael J. Ormsbee is the editor of Fast Lose Fat. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences and Interim Director of the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine in the College of Human Sciences at Florida State University.
Does Huel for Weight Loss Work?
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Written by
Michael J. Ormsbee
- LAST UPDATED September 20, 2023
Losing weight can be a challenging journey filled with trial and error to find an approach that works for your unique body and lifestyle. For some, Huel for weight loss has proven to be an effective weight loss aid when combined with healthy habits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Huel’s meal replacement shakes and bars can promote fat-burning and help you successfully shed unwanted pounds. You’ll learn how Huel for weight loss works, see inspiring success stories, and get tips to maximize your own weight loss results with Huel. With flexibility and proper nutrition on your side, prepare to slim down and feel healthier than ever before!
What is Huel?
Before diving into using Huel for weight loss, let’s first cover the basics of what exactly Huel is. Huel is a nutritionally complete powdered food product designed to replace meals. The brand was launched in 2015 in the UK as a convenient, affordable, and healthy solution to support overall nutrition.
The Huel powder is made from four main ingredients: oats, pea protein, flaxseed, and brown rice protein. These provide a balanced ratio of carbs, protein, and healthy fats when combined with water or milk. Huel also contains all 27 essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and probiotics. It is suitable for vegans and products are gluten-free and soy-free.
Huel comes in both shake and bar form in a variety of flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and more. Shakes provide a nutritious liquid meal while bars offer solid food for when you crave something to chew on. Most people consume Huel as a breakfast or lunch replacement, though it can also be used for snacks. When combined with whole-food dinners and healthy snacks, Huel can provide convenient, nutritious meals to help you lose weight.
Is Huel for Weight Loss Effective?
So can simply swapping out some meals each day with Huel shakes and bars really help you lose weight? The answer is yes – Huel for weight loss can be an effective strategy when done correctly. Here’s a look at how Huel promotes weight loss through caloric deficit:
Calorie Control
Huel makes it easy to control your calories because you know exactly what is in each perfectly portioned meal. Having set calorie amounts at breakfast and lunch takes the guesswork out of counting calories. This calorie consistency combined with reduced snacking is key for weight loss.
Reduced Hunger
The protein, fiber, and healthy fats in Huel help you feel satiated, reducing the urge to snack unnecessarily between meals. Less snacking means a greater caloric deficit.
Nutrient Dense Calories
Since Huel contains a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals, the calories you consume are maximized for nutritional benefit. You won’t lack energy or become nutrient deficient by eating fewer meals.
Suppresses Appetite
The high volume of water or milk needed to blend Huel shakes leaves you feeling pleasantly full. The soluble fiber also expands in your stomach to prolong satiety. This results in consuming fewer calories overall.
Eliminates Empty Calories
Swapping out traditional meals for Huel ensures you aren’t consuming empty-calorie foods like sweets, chips, sodas, etc. You’re filling up on pure, quality nutrition instead.
When you consume 2-3 Huel shakes or bars combined with a sensible whole-food dinner and snacks as needed, a daily caloric deficit is easier to achieve for successful weight loss. Many reviews and studies confirm that Huel for weight loss is effective when used properly and consistently.
How to Use Huel for Weight Loss?
If you want to try using Huel to help you lose weight, here is a step-by-step guide to get started:
- Calculate your daily calorie needs
Use an online TDEE calculator to estimate the number of calories you need per day based on your height, weight, activity level, and weight loss goals.
- Plan when to use Huel
Determine which meals you want to replace with Huel. Most people replace breakfast and/or lunch with Huel shakes or bars. Plan to still have a whole foods dinner.
- Purchase Huel
Go to the Huel website and select your desired flavors of shakes, number of servings, and any accessories like shakers. Consider a variety pack to test flavors.
- Prepare and consume Huel
When it’s time for your Huel meal, simply mix the powder with water and ice or milk as directed. Shake or blend to your desired texture and enjoy! Bars can be eaten anytime.
- Track your intake
Keep track of your Huel calorie counts and any other foods you eat in a day. Monitoring your total daily intake helps ensure a deficit.
- Exercise
Incorporate exercise like cardio, strength training, and walking to maximize calorie burn. Exercise complements Huel for weight loss.
- Adjust as needed
Weigh yourself weekly and adjust your calorie intake if needed to keep losing 1-2 lbs per week. Pay attention to your energy levels too.
Stay consistent with your Huel meal plan along with exercise and healthy snacks for best weight loss results. Consider a subscription so you have a steady Huel supply delivered.
Huel vs. Traditional Diets
How does using Huel for weight loss compare to just following a reduced-calorie whole-food diet? Here’s a look at some key differences between the two approaches:
- Huel takes the guesswork and planning out of calorie control. Traditional diets require tallying every meal’s calories.
- Huel ensures you get 100% of the vitamins and minerals you need every day. Traditional lower-calorie diets can be lacking if food choices are poor.
- Huel regulates hunger between meals. Whole foods diets with calorie deficits can lead to intense hunger.
- Huel is very convenient and portable. Meal-prepping traditional diets is more labor-intensive.
- Huel guarantees macronutrient ratios at every meal. It’s challenging to get perfect macro ratios with traditional foods.
- Huel allows indulging in normal dinners. Traditional diets require restricting every meal.
The downside of Huel is the taste and texture cannot mimic whole foods perfectly. Traditional dieting allows you to keep enjoying the flavors of prepared meals.
Overall, Huel for weight loss provides controlled, optimized nutrition conveniently to promote faster yet sustainable results. But traditional dieting can work well for some too. It comes down to personal preferences.
Maximizing Weight Loss with Huel
Here are some tips and strategies to accelerate your weight loss results when using Huel:
- Carefully calculate your exact TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) using an online calculator so you know precisely how many calories you need to consume. Reduce this amount by 300-500 calories daily for weight loss.
- Prepare your Huel shakes and bars according to the exact serving sizes given, don’t estimate. Measuring your Huel powder portions instead of eyeballing will provide calorie control.
- Use a blender instead of a shaker to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that will be more satisfying. This regulates hunger better.
- Drink plenty of water between your Huel shakes to stay hydrated. Sometimes hunger pangs are actually minor dehydration. Water helps you feel full.
- Pay close attention to your nutrition on your one whole food meal per day. Focus on high protein, high fiber, and low glycemic index options to stay satiated.
- Incorporate strength training into your fitness routine to build metabolism-boosting lean muscle mass. This will accelerate Huel for weight loss.
- Monitor your weight weekly and adjust your daily calorie intake down by 100 calories if needed until you’re losing 1-2 pounds per week consistently.
- Avoid snacking between meals whenever possible. If you do snack, stick to foods high in protein and fiber for satiation like veggies and Greek yogurt.
By combining Huel meal replacement with strategic nutrition and training, you can optimize Huel for weight loss to efficiently achieve your weight goals!
Huel Weight Loss Success Stories
Don’t just take our word for it that Huel works for weight loss – check out these inspiring success stories from real Huel users who slimmed down:
Mary T.
Lost 30 lbs in 5 months
Mary had struggled with yo-yo dieting for years but could never seem to keep off the weight permanently. She decided to give Huel a try for consistent nutrition. For breakfast and lunch, Mary had a Huel shake, then ate a healthy dinner with veggies and lean protein. In just 5 months she dropped 30 pounds with Huel and has kept it off by maintaining her regimen of 2 shakes per day.
John W.
Lost 40 lbs in 4 months
John wanted to lose weight fast in preparation for his wedding. For breakfast and lunch, he had Huel Black shakes to control his calories precisely while fueling his workouts. Combined with doing cardio and strength training 6 days per week, John lost an incredible 40 pounds in only 4 months with Huel. He says it helped him crush his weight loss goals without feeling starved like previous diets.
Amy L.
Lost 28 lbs in 7 months
Amy had gained nearly 30 pounds over the past few years due to her sedentary office job and frequent takeout eating. She decided to replace breakfast and lunch with Huel shakes. She blended them with almond milk and berries for flavor. After 7 months Amy had lost all of the unwanted weight thanks to controlling her calories consistently with Huel. She feels better in her clothes and has more energy throughout her day.
Mark H.
Lost 52 lbs in 8 months
Mark was overweight with high cholesterol and blood pressure. His doctor said he needed to lose 50 pounds to improve his health. Mark started his day with a Huel Black shake for breakfast, had a Huel bar for lunch, and then ate a healthy dinner with his family. He also began walking daily. In just 8 months, the pounds melted away and Mark’s health markers all improved significantly thanks to his new routine.
Jessica C.
Lost 35 lbs in 5 months
Jessica had tried every fad diet with only temporary success. She decided to go a more sustainable route this time, replacing 2 meals a day with Huel. For breakfast, Jessica would blend a chocolate Huel shake. At lunch, she opted for the strawberry shake or bar. After 5 months Jessica had lost 35 pounds – a number she has maintained long-term by sticking with her Huel regimen.
Conclusion
In summary, Huel for weight loss is an effective and convenient weight loss aid that promotes a consistent daily calorie deficit to produce real fat loss results. Thousands of Huel users have lost significant weight by incorporating 1-2 Huel shakes or bars in their daily routine. By combining Huel with strategic nutrition choices, portion control, and regular exercise, you can optimize Huel for weight loss tailored to your unique goals. Use the tips and success stories above to stay motivated on your journey. With hard work and consistency, the Huel lifestyle can help you achieve the slim, healthy body you’ve always wanted!
Huel for Weight Loss FAQs
How much weight can I lose in a month with Huel?
Expect to lose around 2-5 pounds per week if replacing 2 meals with Huel shakes/bars and eating in a caloric deficit. So in 1 month, you may lose 8-20 lbs depending on the individual.
When should I consume Huel for weight loss?
Most people replace breakfast and lunch with Huel since those tend to be the least structured meals. Have Huel first thing when you wake up to fuel your day and again at lunchtime to avoid mid-afternoon hunger pangs.
Can I have Huel with milk instead of water?
Yes, Huel can be prepared with water, almond milk, coconut milk, cow's milk, or any other liquid. Just account for the extra calories if having it with higher-fat milk versus water.
Is Huel safe for long-term use?
Yes, Huel is formulated with all the essential macros, vitamins, and minerals your body needs so it is safe for long-term use. Just be sure to give your digestive system time to adjust to the increase in fiber when first starting out.
Should I exercise while doing Huel for weight loss?
Yes, adding cardio and strength training helps burn extra calories to accelerate your results. Building muscle boosts your metabolism too. Just listen to your body and fuel your workouts properly.
